A nurse is working with a client who has an anxiety disorder and is in the orientation phase of the therapeutic relationship.
Which of the following statements should the nurse make during this phase?
A.
“We should establish our roles in the initial session.”
B.
“Let me show you simple relaxation exercises to manage stress.”
C.
“Let’s talk about how you can change your response to stress.”
D.
“We should discuss resources to implement in your daily life.” .
The Correct Answer and Explanation is:
The correct answer is A. “We should establish our roles in the initial session.”
Explanation:
The therapeutic relationship between a nurse and a client goes through several phases, each with distinct goals and activities. These phases include the orientation phase, working phase, and termination phase.
During the orientation phase, the primary focus is on building trust, establishing rapport, defining roles, and setting the groundwork for the therapeutic relationship. This is the initial phase where the nurse and client begin to get acquainted. Key activities include establishing boundaries, discussing expectations, and defining the roles of both the nurse and the client in the therapeutic process. The nurse’s statement in option A, “We should establish our roles in the initial session,” aligns with the objectives of this phase.
Let’s break down why the other options are less appropriate for the orientation phase:
- Option B: “Let me show you simple relaxation exercises to manage stress.”
This statement involves providing interventions, which is more characteristic of the working phase of the therapeutic relationship. During the working phase, the nurse and client actively work on issues, implement strategies, and explore coping mechanisms like stress management techniques. - Option C: “Let’s talk about how you can change your response to stress.”
Similar to option B, this involves discussing changes in behavior and working on stress response techniques. This type of conversation is typically part of the working phase, where therapeutic work is conducted to address the client’s issues. - Option D: “We should discuss resources to implement in your daily life.”
While discussing resources is important, this also typically occurs in the working phase or toward the end of the relationship, as the nurse helps the client plan for life after therapy. This is more relevant to ongoing intervention rather than initial relationship building.
Importance of the Orientation Phase:
During the orientation phase, the nurse’s priority is to ensure the client feels safe, supported, and clear about the goals of the therapeutic process. Establishing roles and setting expectations early helps reduce the client’s anxiety and fosters a collaborative atmosphere. In clients with anxiety disorders, reducing uncertainty through clear communication is essential in laying a foundation for effective therapy. The nurse’s role in this phase is to set the stage for open communication and ensure the client understands the therapeutic process, which will help in the later phases when more active intervention occurs.